Dielectric barrier discharge plasma delayed the textural hardening of bamboo shoots by regulating cell wall metabolism

Abstract

Postharvest bamboo shoots may undergo a hardening process even under low-temperature storage. Dielectric barrier discharge plasma (DBDP) is a promising non-thermal preservation technology, which reportedly delays senescence and improves the texture of plants. The influences of DBDP treatment on the changes of quality attributes, cell wall components, and cell wall modifying enzymes in Lei bamboo (Phyllostachys praecox) shoots were investigated. DBDP treatment improved the shelf life, texture, and energy level while decreasing the cell membrane permeability, malondialdehyde content, and hydrogen peroxide contents of bamboo shoots. DBDP treatment obtained a higher ratio of water-soluble pectin to CDTA-soluble pectin contents as well as lower levels of cellulose and hemicellulose contents by regulating the cell wall modifying enzymes, inhibiting the self-assembly of pectin gels and cellulose-xyloglucan networks. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed that DBDP treatment slightly destabilized the cell wall and inhibited secondary cell wall formation. The results showed that DBDP treatment inhibited the hardening process and maintained a better texture of bamboo shoots under low-temperature storage.